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The Command To
Withdraw
Introduction
Christ calls His people to walk faithfully in every command. Our
lesson text, 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, closes Paul’s letter with a
sober charge: brethren must withdraw from disorderly walking and
admonish the erring toward repentance, so the church may remain at
peace under the Lord of peace.
The Command
With Divine Authority
Paul speaks “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” and issues a
clear command to the church at Thessalonica: “withdraw from every
brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition
which he received from us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). This carries the
Lord’s authority. Obedience to Christ includes obedience to this
instruction. The command is simple in form and serious in
consequence because it springs from the Lord’s own will for His
people.
The Meaning
of Withdraw
The Spirit’s term conveys avoiding, keeping away, and shunning. The
goal is to make clear that the congregation does not approve the
conduct. This action must proceed with humility, love, and reverence
for God’s word. The purpose is redemptive: to awaken the conscience,
to guard the flock, and to honor Christ’s pattern of holiness in His
church (2 Thessalonians 3:14–15).
The Conduct
That Requires Action
The present-tense “walks disorderly” describes a settled pattern.
The brother refuses the apostolic tradition—teaching handed down by
Christ through His apostles. In Thessalonica a specific disorder had
emerged: idleness and busybodiness fueled by false expectations
about the timing of the Lord’s return (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12). The
principle reaches any habitual refusal of New Testament instruction.
When a Christian embraces a course that defies the word and persists
after admonition, the command applies.
Paul’s
Example of Work and Responsibility
Paul reminds them of his own conduct: he labored “night and day” to
avoid being a burden and to model diligence (2 Thessalonians 3:7–9).
In Ephesus his hands supplied his needs and those with him; he urged
helping the weak and remembered the Lord’s promise, “It is more
blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:34–35). Work, when we are
able, is a Christian duty tied to providing for one’s own household
(1 Timothy 5:8) and to doing good without weariness (Galatians 6:9).
Disorderly idleness abandons these duties and spreads harm.
The Process
and Its Purpose
Paul commands, “If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” and
instructs such brethren to “work in quietness and eat their own
bread” (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12). The congregation is told: note the
person, do not keep company with him, and aim for godly shame that
leads to repentance (2 Thessalonians 3:14). Even then, he remains a
brother and must be admonished with earnest love (2 Thessalonians
3:15). Discipline seeks peace and restoration under “the Lord of
peace” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). God’s discipline is an expression of
love that yields holiness and life (Hebrews 12:5–11). Obedience to
all Christ’s commands testifies that we love Him (John 14:15).
The
Church’s Peace and the Lord’s Grace
When disciples walk orderly, peace flourishes. When disorder
persists, confusion spreads. Paul closes with the grace and presence
of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:16–18). Grace empowers obedience,
strengthens discipline carried out in love, and restores the
penitent.
[The
Command To Withdraw] Sermon Outline:
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Text:
2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
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I. The
Command’s Authority (2
Thessalonians 3:6)
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II. The
Meaning and Aim of Withdrawal (2
Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15)
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Avoiding
fellowship signals the church’s stance
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Aim:
godly shame, repentance, restoration
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III.
The Disorder Identified (2
Thessalonians 3:7–12)
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IV.
Paul’s Model of Labor (2
Thessalonians 3:7–9; Acts 20:34–35)
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V.
Christian Responsibility to Provide
(1 Timothy 5:8)
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VI. The
Process of Discipline (2
Thessalonians 3:10–15)
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Teach,
admonish, note, refuse company, admonish as a brother
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Always
with a view to peace under the Lord of peace (2
Thessalonians 3:16)
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VII.
The Heart Behind Discipline
(Hebrews 12:5–11; John 14:15)
Call to
Action
Examine your walk. If you have embraced habits that disregard the
Lord’s teaching, repent and return to orderly obedience. If you
labor faithfully, continue without weariness and support the weak.
As a body, practice loving, scriptural admonition so that peace,
purity, and restoration may abound under the Lord of peace.
Key
Takeaways
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Christ’s
command to withdraw carries His authority and seeks restoration.
(2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14–15)
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Disorderly
walking is a settled refusal of apostolic teaching; repentance
restores order. (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11–12)
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Paul’s
example sets a pattern of diligent work and generous care. (Acts
20:34–35; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9)
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Providing
for one’s household is a Christian duty. (1 Timothy 5:8)
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Persevering
in good brings blessing to the church. (Galatians 6:9)
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Loving
discipline reflects the Father’s training and aims at holiness.
(Hebrews 12:5–11)
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Obedience to
all of Christ’s commands expresses love for Him. (John 14:15)
Scripture
Reference List
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2
Thessalonians 3:6–15 — The
command to withdraw; the example of idleness; the process and
aim of discipline.
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2
Thessalonians 3:16–18 — The Lord
of peace grants peace; closing benediction of grace.
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Acts
20:34–35 — Paul’s hands supplied
needs; call to support the weak; “more blessed to give.”
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1
Timothy 5:8 — Providing for one’s
household is essential; failure denies the faith.
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Galatians 6:9 — Do not grow weary
in doing good; perseverance in well-doing.
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Hebrews
12:5–11 — The Lord’s discipline
proves sonship and yields holiness and peace.
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John
14:15 — Love for Christ shown by
keeping His commandments.
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Acts
2:38 — Command to repent and be
baptized for the forgiveness of sins; entrance into a life of
obedient discipleship.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
